Wish Upon A Christmas Cake. Darcie Boleyn

      ‘Yes please!’ Holly shouted. ‘Can I, Daddy?’

      ‘I don’t know. Are you sure, Esther? I mean, won’t they get under your feet?’

      ‘Not at all.’ Mum smiled and her eyes actually lit up. ‘I’d love to have their company.’

      ‘Can I make gingerbread soldiers instead?’ Jack asked.

      ‘If you like.’ Esther raised her eyebrows, probably wondering how she’d create that particular shape and if they’d have to have guns.

      ‘Okay. Thank you, Esther. I’ll owe you.’ Sam flashed Mum a smile and she waved her hand at him. She always did have a soft spot for him, and she was really disappointed when Sam and I split up. But she’d also said that in light of what had happened, it might be best for both of us.

      ‘No trouble at all, Sam. Come on then, team. Into the kitchen we go.’

      ‘I’ll just take Sportacus and Stephanie on a quick walk then I’ll be ready,’ Sam said.

      ‘We just need to brush our teeth,’ Karl said and he and Angelo headed upstairs. I tried not to notice how Karl patted Angelo’s backside. I hoped they weren’t off for a quickie. Dad and Gina went into the drawing room and I was left alone with Sam.

      ‘What’s up, Katie?’

      ‘Huh?’

      ‘You’re nervous.’

      ‘No I’m not.’

      ‘You are. You’re twisting your hair. You always do that when you’re nervous.’

      ‘Oh.’

      ‘So what is it?’

      ‘Sam?’

      ‘Yeah?’ He ran a large hand through his hair and I followed it, wishing I could trace its path.

      ‘Who are Stephanie and Sportacus?’